Lung Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention

Lung cancer is a type of cancer in which there is the occurrence of abnormal growths in the lungs. In most cases, the lung tumors are malignant, i.e. they spread throughout the body by destroying the healthy tissues around them. Due to this reason, lung cancer is a very life-threatening type of cancer and one of the most difficult cancers to treat. It is therefore advisable to visit a well-equipped hospital for the best and most comprehensive cancer treatment in Whitefield in order to tackle this disease efficiently.

What are the common signs and symptoms of lung cancer?

Lung cancer does not present itself with any symptoms till it has spread to a fairly large extent. However, some of the most common symptoms which can be considered as red flags for lung cancer are: It is strongly recommended to consult the

• A persistent, worsening cough, which may be accompanied by coughing up blood or sputum (Haemoptysis)

• Wheezing

• Persistent chest pain aggravated by deep breathing, coughing or laughing

• Respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia

• Difficulty in breathing and/or shortness of breath

• Feeling tired

• Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite

• Yellow coloration of eyes and skin in case the liver is infected

• Pain in the backbone, thigh bones (femur), pelvic region and ribs

• A headache, weakness, numbness of limbs, problems with vision etc.

• In some cases, it can cause Horner Syndrome, characterized by drooping of one eyelid and reduced sweating on one side of the face

What are the types of Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer can be characterized into two types, based on the type of cells that constitute cancer. They are Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (SCLC)

SCLC occurs in about one-fifth of the cases of lung cancer and is the most aggressive of all the lung cancers. Often, by the time it is discovered, it would be in its advanced stages. At this stage, chemotherapy is likely to be more effective.

In Limited-stage SCLC, the cancer cells are found in one lung and may be found in the tissues between the lungs and in nearby lymph nodes. If cancer is found in the other lung, in the lymph nodes of the other lung, or other parts of the body, it is called Extensive-stage SCLC.

Risk Factors and Causes:

The risk factors for SCLC are as follows:

• Smoking: An overwhelming majority of the fatalities due to lung cancer occur due to smoking. Even second-hand smoke can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

• Air Pollution: Continuous, long-term exposure to polluted air emitted from automobiles, factories etc. increases the risk of lung cancer slightly.

• Exposure to asbestos: People who work in mines, mills, textile plants, shipyards etc are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis and therefore are at a greater risk of developing a type of cancer known as Mesothelioma, which starts in the inner lining of the chest cavity.

• Exposure to Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when uranium in the soil and rocks break down. This invisible, tasteless and odorless gas exposes the lungs too small amounts of radiation and increases the risk of lung cancer.

• Exposure to carcinogens: Substances like arsenic, chromium, nickel, diesel exhaust etc are potentially cancer-causing agents.

• Personal or family history: A person who has already had lung cancer is at very high risk of developing another lung cancer.

NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (NSCLC):

NSCLC is the most common lung cancers and is of several types based on the type of cells found in a tumor.

• Adenocarcinoma: This cancer usually originates in the cells that secrete substances like mucus. It is more common in women than men.

• Squamous cell carcinoma: These start in the flat cells lining the insides of the airways in the lungs.

• Large cell carcinoma: They can appear in any part of the lung and spread quickly, making it harder to treat.

DIAGNOSIS OF LUNG CANCER:

The doctor assesses the medical history and condition of the patient by enquiring about the patient’s symptoms, medical and personal history, lifestyle etc. It is strongly recommended to consult the top oncology doctors in Whitefield for accurate diagnosis in the earlier stages of the condition.

• Chest X-ray: This procedure is carried out to detect the causes of any respiratory symptoms.

• Scanning and Imaging: CT scan (Computerized Tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) can be performed to determine the stage of cancer and also the extent of its spread.

• PET (Proton Emission Tomography): This is used to find out if there is an active tumor tissue growth.

• Sputum Testing: This is a simple test in which the cells in the sputum are examined to check if they are cancerous.

• Bronchoscopy: The airways are examined through a thin, fiber-optic cable inserted through the nose or mouth to reveal the areas affected by a tumour.

• Thoracentesis: A sample of the fluid is removed from the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs to assess the staging and diagnosis of this disease.

• Thoracotomy: It is a surgical procedure in which the chest is opened and the tumour is removed and examined.

• Mediastinoscopy: An endoscopic procedure which involves examining the chest cavity between the lungs through a surgically inserted probe to collect the sample of lymph nodes in order to detect the presence of cancer cells.

Surgical procedures are performed by the excellent cancer surgeons in Whitefield who are experts and have a great deal of experience in performing such complex operations.

What are the treatments for lung cancer?

Our oncology doctors are known for their lung cancer treatment in Whitefield. Some of the treatment options are:

• Surgery

• Radiation Therapy

• Chemotherapy

• Targeted Therapy

The patient may receive a single method of treatment of a combination of treatments.

• Wedge Resection: A tumour and a small margin of healthy tissue are removed.

• Lobectomy: In this operation, a single lobe of the lung is removed.

• Pneumonectomy: Here, the surgeon removes the entire lung.

• Sleeve Resection: In this procedure, the diseased section of a large airway is removed, and the healthy ends are reattached.

• Radiation therapy: It is a local treatment that uses high energy rays to kill or reduce the cancer cells.

• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): It is directed at cancer’s location from a machine outside your body.

• Brachytherapy: This method is used to help remove blockages of the large airways by cancer.

• Chemotherapy: This is a systemic treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells by either killing them or blocking the division.

• Targeted therapies: These are advanced cancer treatments that focus on specific genetic anomalies of cancer cells.

In any kind of cancer, the first and the most important step is to visit a qualified doctor as early as possible. Cancers are most treatable in their early stages. Therefore, consult the best oncologist in Whitefield for an accurate diagnosis and world-class treatment options.